Autobarn Member Update
| by Tristan Wiggill
Mafikeng
Nugget
Autobarn members Wayco Spares
Mafikeng is owned and managed
by the husband and wife team of
Wayne and Colette Erdis. Starting out
with R5 000 and a VW Golf delivery
vehicle in the mid-1980s, it’s fair to
say they’ve come a long way, baby.
W
ayco Spares started as Bop
Spares in 1987 but changed
to Wayco - a combination of
Wayne and Colette’s names - in 1994.
Wayne is the owner of the store, while
Colette is a director.
➲ Autobarn members Wayco Spares are booming in the North West province
“They have managed to sign up
80 members within two years, which
really says something. If you don’t have
a name and a reputation you don’t get
anywhere.
Autobarn membership
has its own personal
rewards, too. “I am going
to the Malaysian Formula
One Grand Prix, thanks
to a competition we won
that was, put together by
Autobarn, and sponsored
by Dixon batteries,
Kapico, Gabriel, Safeline,
Indy Oil and Jonnesway
Tools. “Much appreciated,
guys!”
In the early 90’s, I was a
founding member of a buying
group called Spares Link,
which was very similar to the
Autobarn setup. After their
demise, I then joined Mikar,
which was later bought out by
the opposition.
Unlike some, Wayne decided
to focus on parts retail and
hasn’t expanded into other
areas of business.
“We don’t fit any parts.
There are reputable
workshops that we refer
our customers to for that.
We prefer to supply the
workshops with premium
products. We’ve resisted the
temptation to expand and
get too big,”
he motivates. Speaking
of big, Wayco Spares faces some fierce
competition in the area from Autozone,
Midas and other retailers.
So why side with Autobarn? “I went to
the launch in 2012 when the Autobarn
owners from Australia visited the country
and I couldn’t help but be impressed. I’ve
always been involved with a buying group
of some kind and I appreciate the fact that
there are no frills. It also helps that we get
along well with the people involved.”
Wayne is happy that Autobarn is going
places in the country.
Typically, we prefer high quality products
due to their longer life and because we
receive fewer comebacks. We refuse to
stock cheap safety critical items because
the risks are too high.”
Managing a successful
business is not all fun
and games. “Running this
business is hard work, but
➲ Autobarn membership has attracted new business
it pays off. It just takes
time to establish yourself,”
he explains. Wayne also
Terry and Danie from Autobarn have been
receives passing trade from nearby
intrinsic for Autobarn to move forward and
fitment centres. “We’re all friends here and
have carried me with. There are many small
we support each other,” he says.
shops out there, but they don’t market
themselves properly and so experience
little or no growth. Autobarn markets itself
professionally and furthermore, they ensure
With all the ingredients for
that we carry the right stock at the right
success in place, Wayco
prices.”
Quality stock is clearly prioritised at Wayco.
“We don’t just sell anything - we deal with
customers who want quality products.
Spares is looking forward to
the next 27 years.
For more information on Autobarn, contact Terry Brand on 011 477 3612.
| words in action
46
april 2014